Teen Misses Graduation After Suffering Third-Degree Burns During Explosion

Emily Roth, an 18-year-old senior at Morris Knolls High School, was looking forward to joining her classmates at their graduation ceremony on June 23. She was looking forward to attending school at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York.

And then the explosion happened.

The National Honors Society member was working at her part time job at Mountain Lakes Bagels when a pressurized can of cooking spray exploded into flames, leaving the teen with third degree burns on her face, hands, and leg, affecting more than 20 percent of her body.

Rushed to St. Barnabas Medical Center’s Burn Unit in Livingston, Roth is now in recovery. Although she can’t use her hands yet, her facial swelling has subsided, and she’s able to see a bit. She’s breathing on her own, and is also being allowed to speak again.

But there’s still a long road ahead.

The pain medication that doctors have prescribed is causing her nausea. She’s tried to drink protein shakes and eat some solid food, but is having trouble with both.

Those aren’t the only complications from her accident. Roth’s autistic younger brother may need respite care while the family tends to her burns, and medical costs are expected to be steep.

“If you have the blessing of knowing Emily personally, you know that she is an incredibly intelligent individual who shows fortitude and composure with everything she does,” the online campaign states. “Unfortunately, she now needs our help.”

And that’s why her family and friends have started an online fundraising campaign at YouCaring titled “Strength and Support for Emily Roth.”

According to the campaign page, donated funds will go directly to her mother, father, 13 year old sister, and autistic seven-year-old brother, to be used towards the impending medical bills the family faces, as well as any rehabilitative or future therapies Emily and her family may need.

Learn how to contribute to the campaign or support the Roth family here.

Photos via YouCaring

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